We all *thought* we were anxious in 2019. Then 2020 hit like a ’90s infomercial, reminding us: But wait, there’s more! Now, physically separated from the people, places, and therapists we love, we’re suddenly very interested in appointment- and prescription-free anxiety treatments. Even if those treatments are basically…jewelry.
Specifically, the stick-on ear constellation kits blowing up on IG and Amazon rn—and in acupuncturists’ DMs. Mona Dan of ear-seed-maker Vie Healing says prospective buyers have been late-night messaging her about them since April, wondering just how—and how well—they work. Here’s the answer.
They’re not (super) science-backed
For decades, Chinese-medicine practitioners and acupuncturists have used this form of auricular therapy to combat our good friend anxiety and also pain, insomnia, and more. The idea is that by taping the seeds (traditionally actual flower seeds, hence ze name) on specific ear pressure points and then pressing on them, you’re sending therapeutic energy to corresponding areas of the body. Basically, gently pushing a seed—modern versions include magnetic metal or sticky crystal studs—into your skin mid-freak-out (or anytime, really) and leaving it there for up to five days could help chill you out, says Jessica Klein, lead acupuncturist at Area 25 in New York City.
But it (probs) doesn’t hurt to try.
Okay, so scientific data on the effectiveness is still inconclusive, says Eric First, MD, a fellow at the American Institute of Stress. But! Paying attention to how you feel, noticing that you need something, and attending to yourself in the moment *is* a mindfulness exercise, and mindfulness can absolutely reduce stress, says Klein.
So if you’re down to spend cash on something that maybe works, go for it. But if you’re in need of legit mental health therapy, stick to the real thing.
ROSENICE 600 Counts Acupuncture Vaccaria Ear Seeds
amazon.ae
Dhs35
QQ: How do I ear seed?
Step 1: Swipe your ear with rubbing alcohol to remove any oils.
Step 2: Grab tweezers and pick up a sticky seed, placing it on one of the spots above. (Or look online for other ear maps.)
Step 3: Call it good or add as many more as you want.
Step 4: Gently apply pressure and wait for ~the feels~ to hit within five minutes.